From the Caregiver's HAErt – a Column by Danita LaShelle Jones

The Importance of Finding Space for Your Passions

“He feels betrayed,” I said to my student as she sat in her chair. “So there are different emotions your character has to have once she realizes he’s poisoned her.” My actress nodded in agreement and repositioned herself to start the scene over. It was Shakespeare Tuesday in the theater…

What to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do

The familiar ding of the message notification pulled me out of my deep concentration. Between article deadlines, productions meetings, and numerous writing consultations, I was used to pausing to answer messages from clients, actors, and editors. So I lazily picked up my phone and opened the messaging app, only to…

The Dangerous Practice of Living in Anticipation

The cast was revving up for the midsong dance break, with 16 counts left. Because the performers occupied the stage and the floor, I took weeks to choreograph the musical number to account for my high school students’ safety. Nevertheless, I smiled as the audience, a captivated crowd of dinner…

Having an Excellent Reason to Raise Your Voice

“Nope!” I said matter-of-factly to my general practitioner. “The only thing that does is make me feel loopy.” “We can’t have that,” he replied. He jotted something down on his trusty prescription pad, ripped off the top sheet, and handed it to me. “Let me know if this works for…

As Caregivers, We Must Take the Time to Take Some Time

It was almost over. The fine arts magnet school I attended was almost done with a Broadway-worthy, 13-show run of the school’s Christmas musical. The musical itself was a massive undertaking. “Mr. Grumpy’s Toy Shop” (an adaptation of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”) involved over 300 students, historically…